Demons hit the road to consolidate top four spot

It seems like every week starts with the same statement – this week will prove crucial for spots in finals. Again, Round 9 of the Senior Men’s competition is no exception. Second vs fifth in an all-Bushranger affair, and third vs fourth. Fortunately, the women’s fixtures should produce less tension on the players and spectators’ hearts with the fancied Bushrangers and Tigers both at home.

Senior Women’s Round 7

The last time the Bushrangers hosted the Pantherettes, Parkes were unable to field a full side. The resulting scratch match although competitive, was not a true indication of the two sides. Parkes have struggled to score, whilst the Bushrangers have no such difficulty and of the likes of Donalee Delahunty and Bethanie Durham find the freedom they have in previous encounters, the Bushrangers will win comfortably. In addition to these players, the Bushrangers have been the closest challengers to the top-of-the-ladder Bathurst GIANTS and should go in extremely confident of getting the four points.

Orange Tigers vs Cowra Blues – Waratah Sports Club, Orange 12:30pm

Pushing to consolidate second place on the ladder and keep in touch with the GIANTS, the Tigers host the Blues at Waratah’s. Weight of numbers alone should be enough for the hosts as their extra rotations will keep them fresher throughout the match. They are also boosted by a number of AFL CW Women’s rep players to only strengthen their cause. For the visitors, and only one game out of finals, Cowra can leapfrog Parkes with improved performances in the remaining fixtures. This match will be an important one to build confidence in the push for finals.

Bathurst GIANTS BYE

Senior Men’s Round 9

Its crunch time for the Outlaws. They’ve beaten Parkes away, won a thriller at home vs the Demons, and lost a thriller to the Rebels. Remaining games include all four teams above them and playing Dubbo away. Sitting fifth, a win will get them to tied second, whilst a loss could end their finals chances. The Rebels on the other hand, simply have to win to be a chance of first. Their opposition for that spot, the Orange Tigers have already secured the four points through forfeit so a loss puts them two games clear with four to play. It may be mate vs mate, but this week’s game is so much more than that in the context of the AFL CW Men’s season.

Bathurst GIANTS vs Dubbo Demons – George Park #1, Bathurst 2:30pm

It was tight in Dubbo earlier in the year, however Dubbo held on for an important victory. Now the visitors need to do what what they previously haven’t done well – win a game in Bathurst. 2019 has been a positive season in that sense for the Demons and although they haven’t tasted success they have been much more competitive. Additionally, the visitors have named a full 24-man squad for the match including the return of the double-barrelled surname Bevan Charlton-White. The GIANTS meanwhile, will be without Mitch Taylor and go into the game without a full bench. The GIANTS won’t give up third place without a fight and with so much intrigue to this game, it really could go either way. Paul Jenkins will hope to continue his standout form for the GIANTS who shapes as a game-breaker. Those attending George Park this week should set up camp with a view of both fields as both could be decided by less than a goal.